Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega-less ‘Scream 7’ sets premiere date

“Scream 7,” the beleaguered next entry of the iconic horror franchise, has set a premiere date. On Tuesday, star Neve Campell announced that her return to Woodsboro will open in theaters on Feb. 27, 2026. 

Campbell, who starred as Ghostface killer survivor Sidney Prescott in the first five films, is rejoining the franchise after sitting out 2023’s “Scream VI” due to a pay dispute. Also returning is franchise creator Kevin Williamson, who will direct from a script by Guy Busick. Williamson, who wrote three of the first four films, was an executive producer on the 2022 and 2023 revivals, but was not directly creatively involved until now. Courteney Cox, who has appeared in every “Scream” film so far, has not officially signed on yet, but is expected to return. 

“Scream 7” has had a troubled path to the screen so far. After “Scream” and “Scream VI” — both directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — revived the dormant franchise and grossed over $300 million together, “Scream 7” was in development with “Happy Death Day” and “Freaky” director Christoper Landon attached to direct. Then producers Spyglass Media dropped star Melissa Barrera from the film over her outspoken support for Palestine in the early days of the Israel-Hamas War in 2023. It also came out that Jenna Ortega, who had become arguably the most popular film and TV star of her generation thanks to “Wednesday,” would not be back for “Scream 7.” Landon exited soon after, calling it “a dream job that turned into a nightmare.” Production was also held up by last year’s strikes, but that’s not the primary reason for any of the film’s troubles.

“Scream” began in 1996 with the first film, which was directed by horror legend Wes Craven. It was a massive hit that revitalized the slasher genre with its mix of traditional horror thrills and postmodern, self-aware humor. Three sequels and a TV spinoff followed before the 2022 revival.